Shirley Mullen | Claiming the Courageous Middle

Today's Conversation

In the midst of deep political and cultural polarization, there remains an underutilized space: the middle. Shirley Mullen argues that this “middle” is not “bland averaging, moral cowardice or lazy indifference.” Instead the courageous middle is a daring way to live and work together for a more hopeful future.

Shirley Mullen, president emerita of Houghton University, joins NAE President Walter Kim for Today’s Conversation podcast, and casts a vision for how each of us can claim the courageous middle in this election season and beyond.

You’ll also hear Shirley and Walter discuss:

• How active listening and bridge-building is central to the middle space;
• Why being in the middle is labor intensive, but offers real possibilities for lasting change;
• How institutions and individuals have navigated this space and seen fruit of their labors; and
• Where those who feel disillusioned by polarization can find encouragement.

For a complete list of show notes: NAE.org/mullenpodcast/